I am thrilled to welcome Miss Ashley Kassab as my Guest Blogger today.  Ashley is an expert in fashion and travel.  Here are her suggestions to make your Summer Holiday packing more streamlined.

When I’m on holiday I’m all about simplicity. I tend to pack light and I stick to a neutral palette. The last thing I want is to waste precious vacation time agonizing over what to wear. Without further ado, here’s a list of my holiday essentials. 

1. A button down shirt

My first holiday essential is a button down shirt. I especially love slightly oversized striped ones that have that ‘borrowed from the boys’ vibe. The beauty of a button down shirt lies in its versatility –whether worn undone over a bathing suit or paired casually with denim shorts, a button down just works. 

2. A pair of white shorts

My next essential is a pair of white shorts. Denim, basic cotton or even crocheted (like these luxe Chloé ones… *swoon*), white shorts have a light, airy feel to them and really complement a tan.

3. A pair of sunglasses

My third essential is a pair of sunglasses. It’s no secret that I love sunglasses –gradient or mirrored lenses, a solid-coloured or tortoiseshell frame, I love them all. Is this an obvious choice? Yes, but you shouldn’t underestimate the ability of a pair of sunglasses (like these amazing Fendi ones) to make a bold statement and complete a look.

4. A small bag

Last but certainly not least on my list of holiday essentials is a small bag that can easily transition from day to night. I would recommend bringing a bag in a neutral colour that either has a detachable strap, like this Saint Laurent one, or that can be converted into a clutch, like a wallet on chain.

Obviously you want multiple tops and bottoms that you can mix and match over your Holiday. But don't go overboard, you really need a lot less than you think. Bon Voyage!

I love having people over at our house. Even though I am not the most social of butterflies, I love to fuss over a table, prepare something exquisitely simple, and relax over a bottle of wine with friends.

The thing about entertaining people is that the details matter.  Whether it is brunch or dinner the idea is to enjoy each other's company for a few concentrated hours.  I like to make that time feel special making the table look special.

First find a few images from around the web to help inspire you with an overall look.  You don't have to drag out your best tablecloth and the iron. A simple runner makes a huge difference to the look of the table and set the mood of the event; from playful to sophisticated.  You can coordinate your candles and flowers or lay out your dishes to share.

Placemats are another alternative to full table cloth.  The protect your table while adding color and texture.

Then, make it your own.  Remember those dishes that you have tucked away for special occassions?  Well, Hello?!?!  Bring them out.  Or that little trinket you fell in love with and just had to buy?  Make it the center of the table.

The only rules that I follow are

1. It's my dinner party and I do what I want.
2. Refer to rule #1.

The biggest impact can often come from the smallest thing.  Here are my top 3 favorite  little details.

1. Handwritten items - Whether it be a menu, place cards, or little descriptions, a little handwritten item goes a long way
2. Change something - Slightly vary the place setting for the adults versus the children. Remember when you used to get crayons at restaurants?  Not only does it keep little ones entertained but the adults might actually get a conversation in.
3. Color - Vary the color by shades and tones but stay monochromatic for big impact.

Most importantly, have fun with it!  If you want to try and make it look like a magazine - Go For It!  If you want it to be minimalist chic - Do It!  Just take a chance.  If it doesn't turn out exactly the way you wanted it, try again next time.  In the end, it's all about having fun and socializing with your friends and family.

This type encouragement fills you with a fierce, fearless spirit that has you stepping into a room feeling like you’re the hottest thing in the place. You know that feeling you get when you know you look good. You have a sense of pride, a sense of worthiness, a SENSE OF SELF. It makes you feel more confident. Everybody has their own set of insecurities, but you trust your friends opinions. Sometimes, you trust their opinions even more than you trust your own. You know they’re not going to let you leave the house looking crazy. Let me rephrase that....GOOD friends won’t let you leave the house looking crazy.

For the women out there who are long overdue for a Girls Night Out, I strongly recommend that that you and your friends mark a date on the calendar. The inspiration I used to write this my blog came from me having just spent some quality me time on a flight to San Francisco to host a S.O.S. Wellness Party. Great things come from time spent wisely. Oooh the things you can accomplish when you have that special time to bond with yourself and bond with your friends. You come back revived, renewed, ready to take care of business and full of positivity. Everyone around you benefits from that energy. When you’re happy and fulfilled, you make those around you feel happy and fulfilled. So in a way, I think it’s safe to say that having worldwide Girls Night Outs can create WORLD PEACE!! Okay, that might be pushing it, but there sure would be a lot of happy women floating around.

“As iron sharpens iron...so a friend sharpens a friend.” PROVERBS 27:17